Pronto Member XL Parts Expands its Distribution Center
Houston-based wholesale automotive parts distributor, XL Parts recently announced plans to build a new, state-of-the-art, 187,000-square-foot corporate office and distribution facility to further enable the company to continue its aggressive growth strategy. The warehouse, which will be located on a 24-acre site in Houston, is scheduled to be completed in late December with a move-in date of January 2005.
CARQUEST Selects 2004 TECH-NET Professional/ASE Technician of the Year
Richard Robb of Elkhorn, Wis., has been named the 2004 TECH-NET Professional / ASE Technician of the Year. Owner of Hi-Tech Automotive, he is an ASE certified master automobile technician with L-1 certification. Robb was selected for the award after meeting the criteria set by CARQUEST and excelling on the Spring 2004 ASE automobile certification exams. Robb became an automotive technician in 1975. He started Hi-Tech Automotive 12 years ago and today his business has four bays.
Federal-Mogul Expands Industry-Leading Abex Heavy Duty Brake Offering with High-Temperature Applications
Three new, highly effective, high-temperature heavy-duty brake linings for trucks and trailers have been introduced by Abex, the commercial-vehicle industry’s premier brand of linings, lined shoes, stop box kits and severe duty disc pads. Abex brake products are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation.
Removal of Judge Denied in Steeltex Suit
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl has denied a motion by attorney Joseph Lisoni to disqualify Judge Christopher Sheldon from hearing further matters in his attempts to gain a national class action suit against Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT).
KC HiLites Owner Sells Business to Relative
Peter Brown, owner and founder of auxiliary lighting company KC HiLiTES, Inc. has announced he is passing on the company to a new generation. Brown is selling the business to his stepson Michael DeHaas, a longtime employee of the company. Brown will continue as a consultant for the business.
Hi-Tech Engine Components to Supply the Alliance Group
Hi-Tech Engine Components has been selected as an official supplier of engine kits for the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. According to Dick Morgan, president and CEO of the Alliance, while the group already has a strong engine parts program in place, the addition of Hi-Tech will complement the existing component coverage and more than double the number of engine kits currently available.
DST Asks: How Do You Plan to Stay Competitive?
Daniel H. Burnham, the 19th century architect and city planner who designed the first skyscraper and conceived the master plans for Chicago and other great cities was quoted as once saying, “Make no little plans, for they have no magic to stir men’s blood. Make big plans, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die.” Trying to follow Mr. Burnham’s advice to make big plans can easily be precluded by the focus needed for just handling day-to-day activities, as described in another saying that goes something like, “When you’re up to your neck in alligators, it’s hard to remember that your original objective was to drain the swamp.”
Tenneco Automotive Receives European Supplier Award
Tenneco Automotive’s French aftermarket team has received Speedy Repair Centre’s 2004 Supplier’s Golden Award for quality and service. Speedy is part of Kwik-Fit Europe, which has approximately 1,900 service points across Europe. Speedy specifically recognized Tenneco Automotive for providing quality service including excellent service rates, low stock run-outs, strong sales information, consistent sales support from its sales representatives, vital technical information, warranty follow-up and close involvement in the Speedy network.
Michelin Applies Expertise to Range of Automotive Accessories
Imagine if the same expertise that goes into creating the rubber compound that allows your tires to grip the road in all kinds of weather was used to create a high-performance windshield wiper that keeps the rain off your windshield just as effectively. Well, Michelin has done just that. Michelin Lifestyle Limited (MLL) has launched its line of high-performance wiper blades in another step to extend the Michelin brand to a full range of automotive accessories.
Executive Interview with Scott Meyer, President of MEMA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Scott Meyer, outgoing chairman of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). As he concludes his time as chairman of the association, he steps into a new role as interim president of MEMA, which is in the midst of celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Join us as Meyer shares his insights on the anniversary of MEMA’s centennial, and what lies ahead for both MEMA and the entire industry.